A welcome back to our campuses and reminder to get involved

The past weeks have been the start of fall semesters at many colleges and universities across the country. As students settle back into routines here at St. Ben’s and St. John’s, we want to welcome everyone to campus. We hope that summer was a time for relaxation and that everyone is excited to be here. Coming back to campus can bring many emotions. Whether you are excited to be back, stressed about the upcoming semester or lost as a new student, we want to provide a few tips to help make the most of your time at CSB+SJU.

Our two campuses have a lot to offer. From the various clubs and organizations to the numerous events that take place, there is always something to do. We are going to share some of our favorite ways to get involved and stay connected on campus.

First, there are plenty of clubs and organizations to get involved in. We hope you all had a chance to make it to the involvement fair last Thursday to see what CSB+SJU has to offer. If you did not make it, there are still ways to get involved. The new myCSBSJU dashboard has a “Discover” tab where you can join groups that interest you. This is an easy way to get in touch with the group. Getting involved with clubs and organizations allows you to connect with new students and become a part of something bigger. You can gain new experiences and connections with students and faculty by getting involved.

Another tip is to attend on-campus events, which occur throughout each week to engage students. There is a schoolwide events calendar on myCSBSJU where you can find all of the happenings on campus, from athletic events to speakers. This is a good tool to use when looking for something to do any day of the week. For example, Clemens Library is offering drop-in nights to make crafts and take a break from studying. These events are opportunities to meet new people and have fun. This is just an example of the numerous events that our campuses put on.

Once you’re done exploring CSB+SJU’s events, get outside and enjoy the amazing trails CSB+SJU have to offer. From going on the chapel walk along Lake Sagatagan to wandering around St. Joseph, you are bound to find beauty on both campuses. Being outside is also a good way to reset or clear your mind as life gets busier. Take advantage of the endless trails in the arboretum or relax by Lake Sarah. The Outdoor U has endless equipment to rent out and explore with. There are kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy on the lake, as well as snowshoes for the winter. The opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are endless.

Attending athletic events is also a fun way to show your Bennie-Johnnie spirit. Take in a Bennie volleyball game in Claire Lynch Hall or cheer on the Johnnie soccer team at Haws Field. There are plenty of sporting events happening each week that give you the opportunity to support your friends, classmates, and fellow Bennies and Johnnies.

Finally, there are many businesses in St. Joe’s to enjoy and support on any given day. Whether that is picking up a coffee, grabbing ice cream or shopping around in one of the delightful shops, there is always something to enjoy in town.

There is always something to do throughout these two campuses and expanding into the surrounding communities. Take advantage of all the activities they have to offer.